This week, as usual, sports bettors can get action on MLB games from U.S.-based gambling sites. Meanwhile, at least a couple of offshore bookmakers are offering odds on games at the Little League World Series.

Team managers, and Little League itself, are not pleased.

“I’m not a fan,” said South Carolina’s manager Dave Bogan, noting he goes to Las Vegas twice a year. “It’s just not appropriate, it feels dirty, quite honestly.”

In news conferences throughout the Little League World Series, U.S. team managers have voiced their displeasure with gambling on their games — players at the tournament top out at 12 years old. Little League International also released a statement last week denouncing sports betting on youth competition.

“Little League is a trusted place where children are learning the fundamentals of the games and all the important life lessons that come with having fun, celebrating teamwork, and playing with integrity,” the statement said. “No one should be exploiting the success and failures of children playing the game they love for their own personal gain.”

BetOnline and Bovada are among the offshore sites offering daily odds on LLWS matchups. They are both based outside the United States and are both illegal to use in the U.S. and not subject to its laws. BetOnline is located in Panama and has offered sports betting and gambling since 1991. Bovada, a Costa Rica-based company, joined the scene in 2011.

BetOnline’s brand manager Dave Mason said in a post on X that BetOnline is making the moneylines itself and that it “ain’t easy.” He has posted odds on X throughout the tournament.

Jon Solomon, the community impact director of Project Play, an initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society program, said there are negative effects on young players whose games are the subject of betting. Such wagering, he says, is fairly common.

In 2018, Project Play surveyed Mobile County, Alabama, and found that “26% of surveyed youth said they had played in a game where adults bet money on who won or the final score,” according to its State of Play report.

The report said that tackle football, basketball and baseball were more likely to be gambled on by adults according to the children surveyed.

“This is just, you know, bets that usually sort of happen, maybe at the field, or in the gym,” Solomon said in a phone interview. “Kids are already facing a lot of pressure in youth sports these days. It is a highly commercialized industry with a lot of people already making a lot of money.”

Here are the states that have the most Little League World Series titles.

When gambling is involved in the actual performance of the game, Solomon believes the pressure can be even higher. The report showed that gambling “was witnessed by both boys (33%) and girls (19%).” In professional and collegiate sports, Solomon noted instances of athletes getting harassed by gamblers — think any kicker who missed a last-second field goal.

“Now imagine the stakes for a more impressionable child, right, or teenager?” Solomon said. “It’s so unhealthy and so unneeded, and I think if anyone is betting on youth sports, they should seriously seek help because you have a serious addiction most likely.”

Hawaii Little League manager Gerald Oda is adamant that gambling on these games takes away from the “beauty” of Little League.

“This is the only tournament where you’re representing your local community,” Oda said. “It’s that innocence, that pureness that these kids show on the field.”

Oda believes the memories his 12-year-old players make are more important than the games won or lost.

“It’s about them experiencing this whole moment here. They’re going to have memories saying that when I was 12, this is what we did,” Oda said. “Gambling is here to stay, but I am thankful that Little League is very protective of what they have, and they should be. You know that pure joy and emotion whether you win or you lose, that’s the greatest thing.”

Solomon said youth sports is “all about the delivery of the sport” from leagues and coaches.

“Sports, if not delivered properly, can be harmful to children and betting on sports would definitely fall into that category of it being harmful,” Solomon said. Pressure from parents and coaches, as well as early sports specialization, can also negatively impact youth sports.

In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that made sports betting illegal across most of the U.S for over 25 years. Now, 39 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting but states don’t allow wagers to be made where those competing are under 18.

In keeping with those laws, no online betting sites such as FanDuel, Draft Kings or ESPN Bet offer lines on the LLWS and Nevada’s manager TJ Fechser hopes that doesn’t change.

“We’re in a big crazy world now and if we ever see publicized sports books throughout the world standardizing it, we have to really look into ourselves. Is this appropriate?” Fechser said. “I’m not the decider on this, but I don’t want to see it being standardized.”

NEWS RELEASE

HAMILTON SPORTS GROUP FOUNDATION

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Earlier this month, the Hamilton Sports Group (HSG) Foundation proudly made its inaugural round of charitable donations. This marks a meaningful milestone in the HSG Foundation’s commitment to supporting youth across the region. The funds were raised through initiatives led in partnership with FirstOntario Credit Union, a longstanding ally in promoting youth health and wellness in Hamilton and surrounding communities.

Donations were distributed to three community organizations that are actively improving lives through nutrition, education, and access to resources:

• Food for Life – $5,000
• Operation Backpack – $1,500
• United Way Halton and Hamilton – $1,500

This first wave of giving underscores the Foundation’s mission to reduce barriers and create opportunities for young people to thrive. It also reflects FirstOntario’s growing legacy of local impact through collaborative programs including the Garney Henley Hat campaign launched earlier this year, which raised funds for the Foundation while honouring one of the Tiger-Cats’ most celebrated legends.

“Our work with the Hamilton Sports Group Foundation is deeply rooted in a shared commitment to community,” said Joanne Battaglia, senior vice president, marketing, communications and community partnerships, FirstOntario Credit Union. “We’re proud to support local charities that provide direct services to youth and families. Whether it’s through essential food security support, a commemorative merchandise campaign in support of community organizations, or football programming, we believe these partnerships help build stronger, healthier communities for all.”

These inaugural donations mark just the beginning of the Foundation’s giving efforts. With continued support from community members and local businesses, the Foundation is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact throughout the region.

“This inaugural round of donations is a proud moment for our Foundation and a testament to the power of community partnership,” said Glenn Gibson, chair of the Hamilton Sports Group Foundation. “Thanks to the incredible support of FirstOntario Credit Union, we’re able to invest in organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of young people across our region.”

We thank everyone involved in making this inaugural contribution possible and look forward to sharing more stories of impact in the months ahead.

About Food For Life

Food for Life is a volunteer-powered, grassroots organization redistributing fresh, healthy food to those in need across Halton and Hamilton. Since 1995, it has relied on strong community partnerships and the support of 400 volunteers to amplify the impact of a lean, 22-member staff. Every $1 donated delivers $7 worth of nutritious food to families in need. Learn more online.

About Operation Backpack

Operation Backpack is a volunteer-led initiative providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need across Hamilton. Founded 14 years ago, the program now supports over 1,600 students annually, thanks to strong partnerships with the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council, ArcelorMittal Hamilton East, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and other local supporters. Its mission is simple: help kids start the school year prepared and confident. Learn more online.

About United Way Halton and Hamilton

United Way Halton and Hamilton (UWHH) supports a network of over 100 local programs that help individuals and families thrive. Focused on addressing the root causes of poverty, supporting mental health, and enabling children and youth to reach their full potential, UWHH works collaboratively with community partners to drive lasting, measurable impact. Every dollar raised is invested locally to create opportunities and improve lives across Halton and Hamilton. Learn more online.

Staying informed is the best defence.

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RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Iker Castaneda starts out on the mound for Mexico during the International game against Japan at the Little League World Series on Tuesday. Japan won 6-0.

There was disappointment after Tuesday’s game from fans and players of the El Swing Perfecto Little league team from Chihuahua, Mexico.

The Mexico team had a tough run at the Little League World Series. Mexico fell to Chinese Taipei on the second day of the tournament, 3-0, and from there had to win two games in two days in the elimination bracket.

Mexico used five home runs, including a grand slam, to eliminate Puerto Rico on Saturday, 11-5, before bouncing earning a 2-1 thrilling win over Panama on Sunday.

Navigating the elimination bracket is far from an easy task, and unfortunately for Mexico, the run came to a close on Tuesday with a 6-0 loss to a strong Japan team.

But sitting alongside an interpreter at the post-game press conference, Mexico manager Esteban Gallardo wasn’t mad his team didn’t make a run. He wasn’t upset they didn’t win.

He had everything in perspective. This is the Little League World Series, and you’re among the best in the world.

“It’s a privilege to be here. We’re happy, but not satisfied with our actions. We didn’t perform as we expected, but we have strength to work harder and do better next year,” Gallardo said.

“It’s a magical tournament and I’m happy with the team that they worked hard,” Gallardo added. “We need to emphasize that they are kids and they are coming here to do their best.”

That’s the spirit of Little League at the World Series. Yes, everyone is playing to be named the best team in the world, run around the field at Lamade Stadium holding the Little League World Series championship and touch the bust of Howard J. Lamade after the final game. But the journey to get to South Williamsport is impressive in itself for all 20 teams that find themselves here.

“A lot of people are happy (back home) with the work that we did,” Gallardo said. “My mind is focused on work and trying to come back here and have better results because the majority of the goal is already established. (Getting here) is not an exception.”

Losing can teach lessons in life at the youth sports level. And losing at the World Series is no exception. It stings for the players from Mexico, but no doubt they’re looking at the positives to take away from it.

Gallardo sure did.

“Everyone can go and think about what they did so they can see the opportunities and continue working to be a better player and a better person,” Gallardo summed up.

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Another facility is being repurposed near downtown Huntsville, and while it’s not as old as the 165-year-old Huntsville Depot that is awaiting a facelift, the newest reclamation project holds its own firm place in city history.

Goldsmith-Schiffman Field, which opened in 1934 to host football games, is getting a makeover, not as an athletic venue, but as a neighborhood park. The field and its iconic stone walls hosted football games until 2012, when the infrastructure was deemed unsafe. Afterward, it continued to serve as a venue for soccer matches and flag football.

District 2 City Councilman David Little hosted a town hall and public input meeting at Optimist Park. He was joined by City Administrator John Hamilton, contractors and other civic and city leaders. After a slide presentation, questions and feedback were entertained from residents.

“We’re trying to put in all the things that we’re hearing (from public feedback) as best we can for a place that has stuff for kids, stuff for the organized youth athletics that it’s hosted for many, many years,’’ Hamilton said. “And then some of the new stuff like flag football, pickleball courts.

“Or, just as a great place to go, have a picnic with your family, go on a walking path, whatever it may be. And then some other things that, you know, for years we needed bathrooms in there. As a temporary solution, we had a trailer bathroom inside the facility and now it’s getting some permanent bathrooms, things like that.’’

The cost of the project is expected to land between $8-10 million and will come from the 1990 capital improvement plan.

Alterations planned to the site include:

* Two new flag football fields, which will be 30 yards by 70 yards

* A playground with a rubberized surface

* Pavilion with restroom facilities

* Two pickleball courts

* New lighting and much-needed expanded parking

* ADA-accessible parking and upgraded accessibility features throughout the park

* New concessions/restrooms

Neighborhood kids once climbed over those stone walls to play pickup games or sneak into bonafide ticket-required events. Those days are long gone, but the stadium isn’t and is being rebranded as Goldsmith-Schiffman Park. It sits at 320 Beirne Ave. behind the new Stella at Five Points off Pratt Avenue. One big change will be to those walls – they’re not all coming down, but some sections are crumbling and will be replaced with link fencing.

“You can see through (the fences) and it’s safe, it gets everybody comfortable with what’s going on (inside the stadium),’’ Hamilton said. “And we can’t save the entire four walls the way it’s currently set up.’’

Both Stella at Five Points and Goldsmith-Schiffman sit on the edge of the Five Points Historic District.

Jonathan Bowler, project manager with contractor Foresite Group, said the team of architects and civil engineers assigned to the project are “trying to give some character of the existing site.’’

Other changes will be turning existing, outdated restrooms into storage space. The main gates will remain, but the entrances will be redesigned to be more pedestrian-friendly. The two main signs entering the stadium will remain, though the lettering may be altered. Crosswalks and green space are also part of the plan.

In January 1935, the Goldsmith and Schiffman families—prominent in Huntsville’s business and civic life and connected through marriage—donated the land to the city. That October, the field was dedicated with a night game in which Huntsville High, then the city’s only high school and led by coach Milton Frank, defeated Gadsden.

Before the month was out, The Huntsville Times reported that seating needed to be added since crowds of 1,500-2,000 or more were turning out “beyond all expectations,’’ forcing a large number of spectators to stand up to four people deep around the wire fencing to get a glimpse of a game they paid a half dollar to see.

As for the field itself, The Times reported it was “equal to that of most college gridirons’’ as rated 90 years ago. Now, the landmark is coming back into play albeit with a different look and purpose.

“We’ve got a large team of design professionals,’’ Bowler said. “I just want to say it’s been an honor being able to work on this. This has been a really fun project.’’

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and take an estimated 15 months to complete.

DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis men’s basketball has announced the hiring of Reece Lakritz as the program’s video coordinator and assistant director of basketball operations ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Lakritz, who has spent the past two years with the program, first joined the Aggies in September 2023 as a student manager. During his time in that role, he assisted with team operations and later began working with players during individual offseason workouts. His passion for player development also led him to launch a basketball training business, serving youth athletes in Davis, Sacramento, and throughout Yolo County.

A native of Petaluma, Lakritz is a current UC Davis student studying Communications and English, where he is on track to graduate in 2026.